While Rory McIlroy is starting to rediscover the form that has largely deserted him in the past two years, former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes the Ulster man has to work on closing out tournaments.
The former world number one has only won one tournament in the past two years, the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2018. He had the chance to defend his crown in the same event last week, but failed to capitalise on his strong position heading into the final round, ultimately finishing in sixth place having shot a disappointing even par on Sunday.
This has been a recurring theme over the past year or so, with McIlroy failing to win an event despite appearing in the final pairing nine times since the start of last year.
He has finished top six in each tournament he has played in 2019, and McGinley believes he now needs to sort out his final round jitters to return to the top of his game (h/t Irish Independent):
I think it's great to see him playing as consistent as he has because that's something that's been missing from his career. One of the things that's been great to watch with Rory over the years is the fact that when he gets hot he gets really hot and he generally wins. That hasn't been the trend the last couple of years.
He's become a little bit more consistent, we all know how talented he is, but golf is about winning and there's no doubt he's got an issue on a Sunday and it's growing...
A lot of people, like we are right now, are questioning why he's not getting it done on Sunday. Is it a question of guile? No. He's won big tournaments in the past, but he's lost his confidence when it comes down to the last day...
I always believe Rory plays his best when he's got a little bit of a chip on his shoulder. That's what I would like to see Rory coming back with on a Sunday, 'Get out of my way, here I come'...
I think Rory's better when he's got an edge about him, something to prove.
McIlroy has not won a major since 2014, although he has registered eight top ten finishes in the intervening years. He will be hoping to complete a career grand slam in 2019, with The Masters the only major that has alluded him thus far.
